# Trump and Melania test positive for COVID-19 **URL:** \ **Category:** Politics & Elections\ **Created:** [October 2, 2020, 5:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010 "2020-10-02T05:07:56Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 45
**Author:** ![Siam\_Sam](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/d78d45/32.png) [@Siam\_Sam](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Siam_Sam)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 8:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/885 "2020-10-04T20:39:06Z")
> [@asahi](#): > > Conspiracies this complex are almost impossible to carry out without someone spilling the truth to the public, especially in a White House as ‘leaky’ as this one. Ya know, the shadow cast by the Marine One helicopter was at the wrong angle for the time of day. Ye gods! It’s true, it’s all a fake! Gah! 🤯 ---
**Author:** ![needscoffee](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/needscoffee/32/1076_2.png) [@needscoffee](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/needscoffee)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 8:49pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/886 "2020-10-04T20:49:00Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > > [@Si\_Amigo](#): > > > > Betting Melania doesn’t want him back for co-isolation. He brought a disease home to her. Separated her from her child. Got other people and their families infected. She may be a shallow rich b#\*!h but she still has reason enough to be totally pissed off at him and the situation he put her in. > > Oh, she can fuck off. She was at his side at many of these events Including the super-spreader Rose Garden event. She’s _just_ as culpable as he is. Who knows whom she’s spread it to? ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 8:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/887 "2020-10-04T20:56:01Z")
You could note there are many similar situations in intensive medicine where dex and similar treatments have been somewhat controversial for years but are commonly used - such as suspected but unproven meningitis or (with less controversy) some types of spinal cord injury. Cases with prominent people will receive more scrutiny and are _more_ likely to result in more aggressive treatments. In this case, there is not much consensus, as far as I know, about when to start if one decides to use it. But there could be more consensus if use is likely - that earlier might be better. If you know more about this case than I do and are able to ethically divulge what you know, I am listening. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/888 "2020-10-04T21:04:59Z")
> [@JohnT](#): > > Conley implied the news conferences were as upbeat as they are as so not to disturb the patient (who is undoubtedly watching.) So we may be able to add Trump’s truth-allergy to the list of comorbidities and/or pre-existing conditions. So let’s sedate trump and let the doctors tell the rest of the world the unvarnished truth. > [@Fiveyearlurker](#): > > or (more likely) he is getting sound medical advice for a patient with more severe disease than they are letting on. The latter option being more consistent with both the recommendations on the drug as well as the statements to the press about the severity of his disease by Mark Meadows. To me this is the point: trump’s condition is more serious than public statements indicate. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/889 "2020-10-04T21:08:21Z")
> [@Broomstick](#): > > And allopaths started out with blood-letting, leeches, and “humoral theory” that hadn’t been updated since the days of the Ceasers. Why do you ignore that? First off, “allopath” isn’t a thing. It’s a bullshit word invented by bullshitters like homeopaths, naturopaths, and chiropractors so that they wouldn’t have to use embarrassing terminology like “real medical doctor”. Second, medicine did start out in some sketchy places, but it doesn’t continue to call itself “Leechology” or “Humoristics” or anchor itself to any bullshit practices from its non-scientific days. > [@Broomstick](#): > > We need practical doctors, and how much research does the average physician do anyway? Certainly for primary care physicians and family doctors there is little to no research of their own. When I look at the sum total of what defines D.O. (less research, less academic exposure, less competitive for the top residencies, accepting less competitive candidates than medical schools)… for me, this all adds up to someone who is less than an M.D. And it’s fine to have that. We have PA’s, we have nurse practitioners, we have all sort of allied health people picking up the slack for what doctors don’t really need to administer personally. I’m just not going to choose those folks for care that I want the highest expertise in. ---
**Author:** ![ThelmaLou](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thelmalou/32/390_2.png) [@ThelmaLou](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/ThelmaLou)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/890 "2020-10-04T21:10:47Z")
Dear God in heaven! 🙏🏼 Can y’all take the D.O./M.D. discussion someplace else? ---
**Author:** ![Fiveyearlurker](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/f/da6949/32.png) [@Fiveyearlurker](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fiveyearlurker)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/891 "2020-10-04T21:12:10Z")
Which falls into scenario one: he is getting aggressively treated even with contraindicated drugs that may hasten his demise. Personally, this seems less likely than the other alternative, ([as others are noting](https://www.bloomberg.com/news/articles/2020-10-04/trump-doctors-add-steroid-that-s-used-in-more-severe-patients?srnd=premium)), that he is more severe than they are letting on, but we are agreed that these are the two possibilities. ---
**Author:** ![Dr\_Paprika](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dr_paprika/32/3042_2.png) [@Dr\_Paprika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr_Paprika)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:21pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/892 "2020-10-04T21:21:11Z")
These drugs are not contraindicated unless you know something that I do not. We don’t agree that those are the only options. We don’t have specific details of this case. I have no reason to believe Trump is not getting expert and appropriate care. So I have nothing else to add. Please have a pleasant day. ---
**Author:** ![TriPolar](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/tripolar/32/3008_2.png) [@TriPolar](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/TriPolar)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/893 "2020-10-04T21:26:59Z")
Trump has left the building. He’s in a car, no info on where he’s going. ---
**Author:** ![rocking\_chair](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/rocking_chair/32/2918_2.png) [@rocking\_chair](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/rocking_chair)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:35pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/894 "2020-10-04T21:35:56Z")
drive by waving for his supporters. the rode out, turned around, and rode back. there was a twit that he would have a “surprise” for his patriotic supporters. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/895 "2020-10-04T21:38:26Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > When I look at the sum total of what defines D.O. (less research, less academic exposure, less competitive for the top residencies, accepting less competitive candidates than medical schools)… for me, this all adds up to someone who is less than an M.D. My wife, a major medical journal professional editor of many years, just explained it to me using exactly the same words. She also said that it may be easier to get into a DO school than into an MD school. Also that there are likely very accomplished DOs out there who are better than some MDs. However, a DO would have to come with the highest of recommendations from a trusted MD for her to recommend or see one. /end hijack. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/896 "2020-10-04T21:40:16Z")
This is the gesture that lets them say “We told you he’d be out of the hospital before Monday.” He may leave Walter Reed tomorrow, flat on his back, to a hastily prepared medical suite adjacent to the Oval Office, where he will continue lying flat on his back. (Emphasis on “lying”) Or, tomorrow, his physicians will announce "We’ve had a minor unexpected hiccup, nothing to worry about, but he’ll be in here for another day or two. All they know how to do is keep milking the news cycle. They’ll keep doing it up to the minute they can no longer keep him awake by shooting powerful psychotropic drugs straight into his ringpiece. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:41pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/897 "2020-10-04T21:41:03Z")
> [@rocking\_chair](#): > > drive by waving for his supporters. the rode out, turned around, and rode back. Is this for real right now? Just when you think it could not be any more of a circus, the head clown turns the fuckshow up to 11. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/898 "2020-10-04T21:42:37Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Is this for real right now? Just when you think it could not be any more of a circus, the head clown turns the fuckshow up to 11. Yeah this story is emitting some serious “OJ in the white Bronco” vibes here. ---
**Author:** ![QuickSilver](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/quicksilver/32/7832_2.png) [@QuickSilver](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/QuickSilver)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:45pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/899 "2020-10-04T21:45:06Z")
> [@HMS\_Irruncible](#): > > Yeah this story is emitting some serious “OJ in the white Bronco” vibes here. It’s Dear Leader Kim Jong Un level of bullshit. Surreal. ---
**Author:** ![Skywatcher](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/skywatcher/32/254_2.png) [@Skywatcher](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Skywatcher)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/900 "2020-10-04T21:46:13Z")
> [@ThelmaLou](#): > > So let’s sedate trump and let the doctors tell the rest of the world the unvarnished truth. Won’t work unless all of his White House sycophants are sedated as well. ---
**Author:** ![Si\_Amigo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/si_amigo/32/2877_2.png) [@Si\_Amigo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Si_Amigo)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:48pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/901 "2020-10-04T21:48:50Z")
You know sometimes people leave the hospital so they can die at home. ---
**Author:** ![HMS\_Irruncible](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/hms_irruncible/32/7394_2.png) [@HMS\_Irruncible](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/HMS_Irruncible)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:51pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/902 "2020-10-04T21:51:56Z")
Sometimes cats run away so they can die… just wherever I guess. That would be a shame, I don’t want him to die, I want him struggling for the breath to bleat out “I don’t concede, I want a do-over” after Biden crushes him on election night. ---
**Author:** ![running\_coach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/running_coach/32/15836_2.png) [@running\_coach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/running_coach)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/903 "2020-10-04T21:52:31Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > > [@rocking\_chair](#): > > > > drive by waving for his supporters. the rode out, turned around, and rode back. > > Is this for real right now? Just when you think it could not be any more of a circus, the head clown turns the fuckshow up to 11. What part of “infectious, possibly fatal disease” does he not understand? Did the agents in the car have to draw straws or what? Fucking, self-centered shitpile. ---
**Author:** ![DavidNRockies](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/davidnrockies/32/6279_2.png) [@DavidNRockies](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DavidNRockies)\ **Post date:** [October 4, 2020, 9:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010/904 "2020-10-04T21:53:19Z")
> [@QuickSilver](#): > > Is this for real right now? Just when you think it could not be any more of a circus, the head clown turns the fuckshow up to 11. If the Secret Service detail wasn’t resentful before … “Get in the F’n car. I want to go wave at the troglodytes !!” [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010.md?page=44) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/trump-and-melania-test-positive-for-covid-19/922010.md?page=46)